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It was the 25th of June somewhere between Dust and Dawn, I ported to a foreign land to experience a culture not know to me.

The site was bitterly cold but the company was cosy. The surroundings, dark, much like a dream, only the necessities were lit. Bedouin tent, table and it’s exquisite decorations glowing like a month end sales man. The grinning eyeballs and glistening smiles of faces I was about to meet, were nothing but welcoming. Nadia was the leader of a uniformed group, served an Indian Styled meal. Indulging in the a delicacy of Lagos Chicken and Naan Bread, I got swallowed in the event. Without cherries, desert added the cherry to the meal.

Before I knew it, the night was over, with great memories and new friends.

It’s times like these you wish you didn’t support them. It’s Steers I’m talking about. We all know Steers is renowned for their flame grilled, real beef patty’s and world class chips! Assisting every consumer with their ‘bulking-up’ for winter.

After a friendly greeting from the cashier as I walked in, I didn’t think twice about my meal choice. King Steer Meal with a buddy coke. Only coke can be your buddy!
Placing the order was simple, until she offered extra cheese. Did I ask for extra cheese?! “single or double?” she asks me. While in the back of my head the cogs and spinners are going full tilt processing this ridiculous money making scheme. Never the less, I package my rage for another day and go for a single, thinking make it back another day as Kalma has it.

“plus, minus five minutes.” was the call and I resided to a seat just 4 meters from my cashier. It was definitely the couch seat. Anybody sitting in a four legged chair facing a couch, either doesn’t know what if feels like or the couch is full.

On the phone to a great friend my meal comes through from it’s flaming at the back. Packaged by the cashier she makes her way towards me, but stops. Places the meal on the counter. Exactly in the middle between my original till and couch seat. “Sir” she exclaims in her highly fluent South African accent! Just enough to set off the cogs and spinners again, thinking is it so far to walk for you to bring it to me? Just anther two steps could have burnt an extra 3-5kilojoules off that big ass!
Never the less, I’ll gain Karma-points and pick up my meal, thanking them with the most sarcastic smile I have packed away.

-while typing, another gentleman has sat down, had his meal brought to him, drink was a separate delivery and an array of sauces to top it off.- he must have ordered double cheese!

Interesting how this particular South African wanted more for less. One day they will all understand how hard they have to work to earn a living. Just one day.

It was the 25th of June somewhere between Dust and Dawn, I ported to a foreign land to experience a culture not know to me.

The site was bitterly cold but the company was cosy. The surroundings, dark, much like a dream, only the necessities were lit. Bedouin tent, table and it’s exquisite decorations glowing like a month end sales man. The grinning eyeballs and glistening smiles of faces I was about to meet, were nothing but welcoming. Nadia was the leader of a uniformed group, served an Indian Styled meal. Indulging in the a delicacy of Lagos Chicken and Naan Bread, I got swallowed in the event. Without cherries, desert added the cherry to the meal.

Before I knew it, the night was over, with great memories and new friends.

“Can we get serious?” the waitress asks me.

Not sure where I stand, with my heart rate spiking and the idea of a coffee quickly changing into a coke to cool the blushing, I politely said what time do you get off.

A little held back by my response, she corrects my terminology and asks if she can make my coffee a serious one… Who would have though coffee can get serious… two cups down and I’ve developed caffeinson’s. A shaking of extremities as the muscles are overdosed on caffein. Eyeballs need lubrication due to the intense muscle movement across my screen, I’m not sure if I’m looking at my keyboard when glancing in it’s direction.

Does it ever frustrate you that when you pay with cash, the waiter or waitress in this case, assumes the change is theirs? This means she got double the suggested 10%. One way to instantly convert generosity into greed.

Brain still in Hyper-Drive, I managed to miss-place my parking ticket. The 10gram, 3 by 1 inch paper drove me up the wall. Searching all clothing orifices, as well as backtracking my route back to the money-muncher. By now, my window period to get out the parking would have been up and a second payment would have been due. I summoned myself to a Four Wheeled Security guard who said, “I can make a plan”. “How much is a plan?” was my response and he said, “Give me two minutes.” In half that time, I’d only just re-parked my car for the 3rd time and he was back. Back with a paid ticket. Probably my ticket. Never the less, I was running late so I donated the Monster R40 and went on my way.

The price we pay to get a decent cup of coffee. R80 could have gone to the latest ‘app of the week’!

Not sure where I stand, with my heart rate spiking and the idea of a coffee quickly changing into a coke to cool the blushing, I politely said what time do you get off.

A little held back by my response, she corrects my terminology and asks if she can make my coffee a serious one… Who would have though coffee can get serious… two cups down and I’ve developed caffeinson’s. A shaking of extremities as the muscles are overdosed on caffein. Eyeballs need lubrication due to the intense muscle movement across my screen, I’m not sure if I’m looking at my keyboard when glancing in it’s direction.

Does it ever frustrate you that when you pay with cash, the waiter or waitress in this case, assumes the change is theirs? This means she got double the suggested 10%. One way to instantly convert generosity into greed.

Brain still in Hyper-Drive, I managed to miss-place my parking ticket. The 10gram, 3 by 1 inch paper drove me up the wall. Searching all clothing orifices, as well as backtracking my route back to the money-muncher. By now, my window period to get out the parking would have been up and a second payment would have been due. I summoned myself to a Four Wheeled Security guard who said, “I can make a plan”. “How much is a plan?” was my response and he said, “Give me two minutes.” In half that time, I’d only just re-parked my car for the 3rd time and he was back. Back with a paid ticket. Probably my ticket. Never the less, I was running late so I donated the Monster R40 and went on my way.

The price we pay to get a decent cup of coffee. R80 could have gone to the latest ‘app of the week’!

May the ticket be with you.

Chris

T Christopher Shead

I’m a thought provoking coach, assisting you in seeing the possibilities in your life and broadening your horizons. It’s in the choices we make that determine our direction, you have the power, I’ll assist you to unleash that power from within! Join me to uncover life’s secrets!